Hayfever could affect half of Britons within 50 years

Experts have warned that half of the UK could be suffering from hayfever by 2060.

A report commissioned by Lloyds Pharmacy and written by Professor Jean Emberlin from the University of Worcester suggests that within 50 years the number of people diagnosed with the condition could double from the current level of around 24 per cent.

Climate change is one of the main factors affecting the predictions due to alterations in the length of pollen seasons, Professor Emberlin claims.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

The report suggests that the birch pollen season, which affects around one in four people with hayfever, is already recorded a month earlier than it was a number of years ago.

Climate change is also expected to increase the number of plants people are allergic to and warmer summers could magnify the effects of air pollution.

Commenting, Professor Emberlin said: 'Wetter winters will provide a soil moisture store for early growth of grass in the spring. This will tend to increase the amount of pollen produced on the plants.

'Drier weather in spring and summer will give more days with good conditions for pollen dispersal, leading to more high count days and severity of season.'

She added that coastal areas are the least susceptible to increases in pollen loads and the north of the country will be less affected compared to the south due to shorter growing seasons.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.